AL-FAWA'ID

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any Umm AI-Qura

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WISE SAYINGS

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Deposition Number: 20835/2003 Al-Fawa'ld A COLLECTION OF WISE I.S.B.N. Rights Reserved @ SAVINGS All977-599-799-2

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Table of ContentsTABLE OF CONTENTS . TRANSLITERATION TRANSLATOR1S SYSTEM .

vXII

NOTES

.A

XIV

IMPORTANT RULES: CONDITIONS ONE MUST MEET IN ORDER TO BENEFIT FROM THE QUR1AN . 1 CHAPTER: THE BEGINNING OF CREATION, RESURRECTION AND THE PRINCIPLES OF MONOTHEISM MENTIONED IN CHAPTER OAF 5 THE STATUS OF THE PEOPLE OF BADR ... 24 A PRECIOUS GEM OF WISDOM:. 28 THE INTERPRETATION OF THE QUR' ANIC VERSE, 28 A PRECIOUS GEM: AL-FATIHAH AND THE WISDOM IT CONTAINS 30 A PRECIOUS GEM: TWO WAYS TO KNOW ALLAH 33 A PRECIOUS GEM: PROPHETIC HADITHS ELIMINATING GRIEF AND[)l~lr~E:~~.........

..

36

A

PRECIOUS

GEM:

.. 47 THE THRONE AND THE HEART. 47 A PRECIOUS GEM: .49

THE

CONTENT OF THE QUR1AN .. 49 A PRECIOUS GEM: NO PLACE FOR TWO CONTRADICTIONS 51 INTERPRETATION OF CHAPTER AT-TAKATHUR 53 NOTE: PERFECT WiSDOM..54 CHAPTER ON THE RIGHTS OF ALLAH 57 A PRECIOUS GEM: TWO KINDS

OF

JEALOUSy~~

58

CHAPTER:

MORE

WISDOM

CHAPTER: SALMAN AL-FARISY . 63 . 61 A PRECIOUS GEM: LESSONS . 68 A PRECIOUS GEM: THIS LIFE OF DECEPTION 71

vi AL-FAWA '10: A Collection of Wise Sayings

CHAPTER: A WONDROUS REALITY 72 A PRECIOUS GEM: SOURCES OF UNLAWFULNESS 73 A PRECIOUS GEM: BENEFITS 73 AN IMPORTANT RULE: THERE IS NO POWER OR STRENGTH EXCEPT WITH ALLAH . 80 A PRECIOUS GEM: KNOWLEDGE IS FOLLOWED BY LOVE 82 A RULE: TWO RESTRAINTS THAT RESCUE 83 A PRECIOUS GEM: GOOD CHARACTER IS A PART OF PiETy 85 A PRECIOUS GEM: EXAMPLES AND LESSONS 85 AN IMPORTANT RULE: EFFECT OF "THERE IS NO GOD BUT ALLAH AT THE TIME OF DEATHII

87 A PRECIOUS GEM: FEAR ALLAH, FOLLOW HIS ORDERS, AND AVOID WHAT HE HAS FORBIDDEN 92 A PRECIOUS GEM: SIN AND DEBT 92 A PRECIOUS GEM: FIGHTING IN THE CAUSE OF ALLAH 92 CHAPTER: ENMITY BETWEEN THE MIND AND IMAGINATION 93 A PRECIOUS GEM: THE MESSENGER1S ViCTORy 95 CHAPTER: THE VANITY OF FALSE HOPES 98 CHAPTER: WHY WAS ADAM CONSIDERED THE LAST OF CREATURES? 1(){)

CHAPTER:

VARIOUS PRECIOUS GEMS 104 CHAPTER: THE MANIFESTATION OF THE LORD 109 CHAPTER: THE MERITS OF ABU BAKR 111 WARNING: GREAT PEARLS OF WISDOM 115 WARNING: LESSONS AND WARNINGS 116 CHAPTER . 120 A PRECIOUS GEM: FORMS OF REJECTING THE QUR' AN AND UNCERTAINTV ABOUT IT126 A RULE: THE PERFECTION OF ONESELF 127

AL-FAWA '10 : A Collection of Wise Syaings vii

A PRECIOUS GEM: THE REWARD OF BEING BUSY IN THE SERVICE OF ALLAH . 129 A

PRECIOUS GEM: ELEMENTS OF KNOWLEDGE 130 AN IMPORTANT RULE: THE APPARENT AND HIDDEN ASPECTS OF FAITH A

.

132

PRECIOUS GEM: TRUST IN ALLAH .. 132 A GREAT AND IMPORTANT RULE: "0 YOU WHO BELIEVEl ANSWER ALLAH (BY OBEYING HIM) AND (HIS) MESSENGER 136 A PRECIOUS GEM: JIHAD IS ORDAINED FOR YOU 143II

A PRECIOUS GEM: ASCETICISM DURING THIS WORLDLY LIFE 147 IMPORTANT RULE: THE BASIS OF GOODNESS . 155 PRECIOUS GEMS 158 A PRECIOUS AND VALUABLE GEM: THE (RELIGIOUS) SCHOLAR WHOSE DEEDS ARE INCONSISTENT WITH HIS KNOWLEDGE 160

A PRECIOUS GEM: . 165THE IGNORANT WORSHIPPER AND THE IMMORAL (RELIGIOUS) SCHOLAR .

165 A GREAT

AND PRECIOUS GEM: 168 THE BEST ACQUIREMENT FOR THE SOUL 168 CHAPTER: FAITH AND THOSE WHO DISAGREE WITH IT 172 A VALUABLE AND PRECIOUS GEM: THE ORIGIN OF HAPPiNESS 174 A VALUABLE AND IMPORTANT RULE: THE PEOPLE OF GUIDANCE AND THE PEOPLE OF

MISGUIDANCE . 175 CHAPTER: TEN USELESS MATTERS 179 CHAPTER: THE RIGHT TO SUBMIT TO ALLAH 180 CHAPTER: THE SWEETNESS OF TRUSTING IN ALLAH 182 ADVICE: HOW TO SET YOUR STATE ARIGHT . 186 CHAPTER: THE SIGN OF GOOD WILL 187 CHAPTER: ASCETICISM IN THIS WORLDLY

LIFE 187 CHAPTER: KINDS OF ASCETICISM (ABSTINENCE) 188

viii AL-FAWA '10: A Collection of Wise Sayings

CHAPTER: REMEMBERING ALLAH AND BEING GRATEFUL TO HIM 206 CHAPTER: GUIDANCE LEADS TO MORE GUIDANCE AND ABERRATION LEADS TO MORE ABERRATION ... 210 CHAPTER .. 216 CHAPTER: GUIDANCE IS THE PARTNER OF MERCY AND ABERRATION IS THE PARTNER OF MISERY . 220 CHAPTER: BESTOWING AND PREVENTING 227 CHAPTER: THE EVIL OF FALSEHOOD 228 CHAPTER: "AND IT MAY BE THAT YOU DISLIKE A THING WHICH IS GOOD FOR YOU" ... 230 CHAPTER: THE 2:33 CONDITIONS OF BEING SATISFIED WITH KNOWLEDGE CHAPTER: THE DANGER OF SUBMITTING TO ONE'S DESiRES 235 CHAPTER: THE LIMITS OF ONE'S CHARACTERISTICS 236 CHAPTER: PIETY WITHIN THE HEART 239 CHAPTER: THE ORIGIN OF PRAISED AND DISPRAISED MORALS . 242 CHAPTER: THE REQUIREMENTS OF ACHIEVING GREAT TARGETS . 243 CHAPTER: THE WISDOM OF IBN MAS'OO 243 CHAPTER: SINCERITY AND LOVE THAT ARE PRAISED CANNOT COEXIST .... 250 CHAPTER: PLEASURE DEPENDS UPON DETERMINATION 252 CHAPTER: THE PIETY OF 'UMAR BIN'ABDUL 'Aziz 256 CHAPTER: THE BENEFITS OF DESERTING EVIL HABITS 258 CHAPTER: HINDRANCES .259 CHAPTER: ATTACHMENTS .. 259 CHAPTER: THE STATUS OF THE MESSENGER (PEACE BE UPON HIM)

~5St

CHAPTER: SIGNS OF HAPPINESS AND MISFORTUNE 260 CHAPTER: DEEDS ARE AN ESTABLISHMENT WHOSE FOUNDATION IS FAITH .... 262

AL-FAWA '/0 :A Collection of Wise Syaings ix

CHAPTER: THE BASES OF INFIDELITY 265 A MOST PRECIOUS GEM .. 267 CHARACTERISTICS OF THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW ALLAH .. 267 CHAPTER: THE TREE OF SINCERITY ... 276 CHAPTER: DEGREES OF HAPPiNESS.. 277 CHAPTER: THE BODY AND SOUL .. 281 CHAPTER: THREE PRECIOUS GEMS . 283 CHAPTER: KNOWING ALLAH . 283 CHAPTER: LICIT AND ILLICIT GAINS .. 285 CHAPTER: CONSOLATION OF THE BELIEVERS . 286 CHAPTER: UNAWARENESS CAUSES HARDSHIP 286 CHAPTER: THE JOURNEY TO ALLAH, EXALTED BE HE, AND ITS OBSTACLES . 287 CHAPTER: KINDS OF GRACE .. 288 A GREAT PRINCIPLE: THE BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE AND ACTION. 289

CHAPTER: THE HEART IS NEVER VOID OF THOUGHTS 291 CHAPTER: HE WHO DOES NOT KNOW HIMSELF, DOES NOT KNOW HIS CREATOR . 297 A PRECIOUS GEM: LEVELS OF KNOWING ALLAH 299 A PRECIOUS GEM: ALLAH WILL NOT CHANGE THE CONDITION OF A PEOPLE UNTIL THEY CHANGE THEMSELVES 300 CHAPTER: THE BEAUTY OF ALLAH, THE EXALTED 301 CHAPTER: ALLAH IS FULL OF GRACE AND HE LOVES GRACE 304 CHAPTER: KINDS OF BEAUTY .... 307 CHAPTER: SINCERITY OF DETERMINATION AND DEEDS 309 A PRECIOUS GEM: THE WILL OF THE SERVANT 310 CHAPTER: GLORIFYING ALLAH . 3.11 A PRECIOUS GEM: LIFE IS A JOURNEY 315

x AL-FAWA '10 : A Collection of Wise Sayings

A PRECIOUS GEM: OBSERVING 316 A PRECIOUS GEM: THE SATANIC WAYS OF TEMPTING 316 A PRECIOUS GEM: THE WAY TO SUCCESS 317 A PRECIOUS GEM: THE BEST KINDS OF REMEMBRANCE 317 CHAPTER: THE MOST USEFUL AND THE MOST HARMFUL OF PEOPLE 318 A PRECIOUS GEM: FORBIDDEN PLEASURE 318 A PRECIOUS GEM: THERE IS RIGHT AND WRONG IN EVERYTHING 319 CHAPTER: THE PEOPLE OF PARADISE AND THOSE OF HELLFIRE 320 CHAPTER: SOME QUALITIES OF MONOTHEISM 321 A PRECIOUS GEM: ONLY THE HEART THAT IS FOUNDED ON MONOTHEISM WILL COMPREHEND THE PRECIOUS QUALITIES OF ALLAH ....... 322 A PRECIOUS GEM: AL-INAsAH AND AL-rTIKAF 322 A PRECIOUS GEM: SIGHING WHILE LISTENING TO THE QURIAN 325 A USEFUL RULE: KINDS OF THOUGHTS 326 AN IMPORTANT RULE: MAKING A REQUEST AND PATIENCE THEREAFTER. 328 AN IMPORTANT RULE: THE SERVANT EXISTS BETWEEN THE HANDS OF

ALLAH ..... 329AN IMPORTANT RULE: THE PLEASURE OF THE HEREAFTER IS MORE LASTING :3~() 330 A PRECIOUS GEM: AND AyyOB (JOB) WHEN HE CRIED TO HIS LORD! A PRECIOUS GEM: YOU ARE MY PROTECTOR IN THIS LIFE AND IN THE HEREAFTER 331 AN IMPORTANT RULE: AND THERE IS NOT A THING BUT THE STORES THEREOF ARE WITH US . 332 A PRECIOUS GEM: LOVING ALLAH 334 A VALUABLE RULE: ALL BLESSINGS ARE FROM ALLAH 335 CHAPTER: THE CAUSES OF FAILURE 337

AL-FAWA 'lo : A Collection of Wise Syaings xi

CHAPTER: THE INTERPRETATION OF THE BEGINNING OF CHAPTER ALIANKAsOr ..............................................,SAYVID AL-ISTIGHFAR ................................................................. 352~

xii > AL-FAWA'/O: A Collection of Wise Sayings

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Translator's Notes

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All praise and thanks are due to Allah. We praise Him and seek His help, guidance and forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allah from the consequences of our evil conduct and the sins we have committed. Whosoever Allah guides, no one can mislead and Letter whosoever He sends astray, no By can guide. Example one I bear witness that there is no A Fahd Algod but Allah Alone, who has no ~ :,~'; partner and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and A \ Isnad ~~4.w1 Messenger. Allah sent him (peace be upon him) as a witness, a ~\ ~\ U bearer of good news and a warner,Al-Jurnu'ah and as one who invites to Allah :'J.l::o...lI JI a .w1 by His leave, and asY4 lamp spreading light. AI-HudOd U~\A

This book, Al-Feweid: A Collection of Wise Sayings is one of the Ash-Shirk I .. ,-4J4.w1 well-known compilations of Imam Ibn Sirin AlShams Ad-DIn Ibn Qayyim\ AII (.);1..'-" Jawziyyah, who is well known by the name Ibn AIQayyim (may ~jii.J\ upon him). This Ahzab A Allah have mercy ~~\ blessed book is notr...Y. '-;-l\others like that simply contain sections, chapters and themes, but itj=>.':l\ consists of Usarnah Al~~\~~ I U the elevated thoughts that Allah, lhsar Exalted be He, bestows upon I a.Jy.o&Jl ~~ ~L....i J~';I some of His servants as He wills. So whenever any of these Sa'd, As~L.JI~1 ~l ,~ 10. \ scattered pearls of wisdom occurred to the Imam, he would Sa'y immediately record them. I am sure that he did not sit down and write this book in one or two weeks, but surely it was developed over a long period of time. Whenever something came to his mind, he would record it, and whenever he learnt a lesson or anything crucial in his life, he would illuminate the lines of his page with the ink of his pen. I remember the first time I read this book, which was twenty years ago in 1980. It was beyond my ability at that time to fully

a~l

2l~1

AL-FA V\/A '10 :A Collection of Wise Syaings xv

comprehend the meaning that Ibn AI-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy upon him) was trying to impart in the book. However, in the course of time, Allah, the Almighty bestowed His favors upon me, and I began to understand the light and guidance that these words contain. The book is not concerned with juristic subjects nor does it deal with any of the instrumental sciences that anyone can understand and memorize, but rather, it consists of the landmarks of guidance, and light, and the firebrands of piety that Ibn AI-Qayyim pondered in the fields of piety, asceticism and vivid exhortation toward the truth. He focuses on the role and duty of the hearts, and makes them clear to us to the extent that we are moved and motivated to learn and practice them. He explains to us the diseases of the heart so that we may know how to avoid and overcome them. He ponders on the depths of the nature of the human self and moves inside its hidden sphere, from one part to the other, which might be difficult for many people to understand. This book has reached the peak of understanding regarding this particular point. Ibn AI-Qayyim is renowned in the field of ascetics and one of the most knowledgeable people of Allah. So, dear reader, here is the book. Take it as one of your close friends, and when you find life's difficulties facing you , read it and ponder the meaning that is applicable to you. Surely, you will find your way out, for you will be living in the world of insight, where there is permanent comfort, the yearning to be close to the Lord of the worlds and the strong desire to enter the Gardens of Delight. We ask Allah, the Exalted, to bestow upon our hearts that which He bestows upon His righteous servants, and reward Imam Ibn AIQayyim and the Muslims with the best reward, and gather us with him at the place of His mercy along with the Prophets"

xvi AL-FAWA '10: A Coifectio n of Wise Sayings

the truthful, the martyrs and the righteous. How excellent these companions are! The translations of the Glorious Our'an were quoted from The Noble Ouran, by Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Dln AI-Hilaly and Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan; King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Ouran, Madinah, K.S.A. Although the hadith were translated without their full chains of transmission, attribution has been made to their original recording in the different hadith compilations, which include Sahih AIBukhary, SahTh Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawud, etc. The translation process of this book took a great effort from all members of the team. We would like to express our thanks to everyone who took part or contributed to the reproduction of this translation, particularly the translators, the revisers and the editor. May Allah reward them all for their work and make it helpful for those who seek guidance to the True Path. Finally, we pray that this translation will provide useful information and advice to all its readers, regardless of their background, and that they may all benefit from it. We also hope that all our efforts on this book will be counted among our good deeds with Allah , the Almighty. Amen. The Translator

In the Name of AllahImam and sheikh Abu 'Abdullah is known as Ibn Qaiyim AIJawziyyah (may Allah be merciful to him). He revived the Sunnah and restrained innovation. He said what follows:

Important Rules: Conditions One must Meet in Order to Benefit from the Our'anIf you want to benefit from the Our'an, you must concentrate and

devote your heart solely when reciting and listening to it. You must pay attention, and try to comprehend the fact that what you are reading is the word of Allah. As you read, you must know that Allah is addressing you in and through this Our'an. Indeed, it is the words of Allah to you through the tongue of His Messenger. Allah says,

which means, "Verily, therein is indeed a reminder for him who has a heart or gives ear while he is heedful. (OEd, 50:37)II

Obtaining the perfect effect depends upon the stimulus, the place of the receiver, the condition for the effect to occur, and the absence of any obstacle that may obstruct the effect. The above verse explains all that in the most precise, and clear words. When Allah says which means, "Verily, therein is indeed a reminder" it is a sign for what had passed from the beginning of the chapter until this verse. His saying, "for him who has a heart" refers to the place of the receiver and it means the living heart, which comprehends what Allah says. For example when Allah says,

2 AL-FA WA '10: A Collection of Wise Sa'}lings

which means, "This is only a Reminder and a plain Our'an, That he or it (Muhammad or the Our'an) may give warning to him who is living (a healthy minded believer)." (Yasin, 36:69-70) "Who is living. means the one who has a living heart. And when Allah says which means, 1I0r gives ear" means the person listens to what is being said to him. And this is the condition in order to be truly affected by the words.II

And His saying, "While he is heedful. .. means to be aware; that his heart is conscious and not distracted by any worldly matter.11

Ibn Qutaibah 1 said, 'IHe is listening to the Book of Allah while his heart is present and understands; not being inattentive or unaware. If the heart is inattentive; lacking understanding concerning what is being said, as well as failing to see or meditate on it, then there is an obstruction. If however, the Our'an produced an effect on the receiver, which is the living heart, and the condition of listening was fulfilled, and the heart is not engaged with something other than the meaning of the speech, the desired effect will occur, which is obtaining benefit from the Our'an and remembrance."

The Living HeartSome people may say, IIlf the effect will take place by the combination of these matters, what is the purpose of the article 'or' in 'Or gives ear' while it is the article 'and,' which joins two matters and not 'or,' which indicates only one. To this, it can be said, "This is a good question and the answer is as follows:Ibn Qutaibah is 'Abdullah bin Muslim bin Qutaibah Ad-DainOry. He is one of the chiefs of literature and has produced many works. He was born in Baghdad in 213 A.H. He settled down in KOfah, and was appointed as the judge of Ad-Dainur and attributed to it. He (may Allah be merciful to him) passed away in Baghdad 276 A.H. From among his works are AI-Ma'arif, Adab AI-Katib, AI-Ma'aly, and Ta'wil Mukhtalif AI-Our'an. See AI-Bidayah wa An-Nihayah, vo1.11, p.61.1

AL-FAWA 'IO : A Collection of Wise Syaings 3

liThe speech includes the article 'or' because it considers the case of the one being addressed and called. Many people have a naturally living heart and so whenever he thinks and meditates, his heart and mind will lead him to the truth of the Our'an, and his heart will believe in what the Our'an has said. And here the passing of the Our'an over his heart will only increase his natural light. This is the description of those, about whom Allah says,~ (~~... ~I jA "fl,U~ -Yl)J J!Il:;J1 ~I IjjJI ~;JI -..--+~ul ~ )~:.;oj':1lj ~~l~ lS;UI U-Jjl ~j. ' J~ ", f .... ...

t.

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which means, Ills not He, Who created the heavens and the earth Able to create the like of them? (Yasln, 36:81) And He, the Exalted says,

which means, "Yes, We are Able to put together in perfect order the tips of his finqers." (Al-Oiyarnah, 75:4) And He, the Exalted says,

which means, "That is because Allah, He is the Truth, and it is He Who gives life to the dead, and it is He Who is Able to do all things. (AI-Hajj, 22:6) Allah, the Exalted combines these two matters when He says,~I .JAj ~ ~~ 0 1

II

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which means, Is not He, Who created the heavens and the earth Able to create the like of them? Yes, indeed! He is the AIIKnowing Supreme Creator." (Yasin, 36:81)II

Three: The perfection of His wisdom. Allah says,f~:o:,, ,II . .." -:_ : }~ "'t: ' :>:~ ,,/~ ~ J~) J .. ~,.::../ ~ \ =~tl (~l;' ~: L.:--". "'liT" Jr L.:" ~d

which means, "And We created not the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, for mere play." (Ad-Dukhan, 44:38) And He, the Exalted says,

which means, "And We created not the heavens and the earth and all that is between them without purpose!" (Sad, 38:27)

10 A L-FAWA '10: A Collec tio n of W ise Sayings

And He, the Exalted says,

which means, "Does man think that he will be left Suda [neglected without being punished or rewarded for the obligatory duties enjoined by his Lord (Allah) on him]?" (AIOiyarnah, 75:36) And He, the Exalted says, ffd8ffe000104a46494600010201009600960000ffe20c584943435f5052 4f46494c4500010100000c484c696e6f021000006d6e747252474220585 95a2007ce00020009000600310000616373704d5346540000000049454 320735247420000000000000000000000000000f6d6000100000000d32 d485020200000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 which means, IIDid you think that We had created you in play 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001163707274000 (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to 001500000003364657363000001840000006c77747074000001f000000 US?II So Exalted be Allah, the True King." (AI-Mu'minQn, 23:115014626b707400000204000000147258595a00000218000000146758595 116) a0000022c000000146258595a0000024000000014646d6e64000002540 0000070646d6464000002c400000088767565640000034c00000086766 And He, the Exalted says, 96577000003d4000000246c756d69000003f8000000146d65617300000 ffd8ffe000104a46494600010201009600960000ffe20c584943435f5052 40c0000002474656368000004300000000c725452430000043c0000080 4f46494c4500010100000c484c696e6f021000006d6e747252474220585 c675452430000043c0000080c625452430000043c0000080c746578740 95a2007ce00020009000600310000616373704d5346540000000049454 0000000436f70797269676874202863292031393938204865776c65747 320735247420000000000000000000000000000f6d6000100000000d32 42d5061636b61726420436f6d70616e790000646573630000000000000 d485020200000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 which means, "0r do those who earn evil deeds think that We shall 012735247422049454336313936362d322e31000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001163707274000 hold them equal with those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah 012735247422049454336313936362d322e31000000000000000000000 001500000003364657363000001840000006c77747074000001f000000 000000000000000000000000000000000 Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, in their present 014626b707400000204000000147258595a00000218000000146758595 life and after their death? Worst is the judgment that they make." a0000022c000000146258595a0000024000000014646d6e64000002540 (Al-Jathtyah. 45:21) 0000070646d6464000002c400000088767565640000034c00000086766 96577000003d4000000246c756d69000003f8000000146d65617300000 The resurrection is a reality. It is known by the mind that Allah is 40c0000002474656368000004300000000c725452430000043c0000080 perfect His names, and attributes obligate this matter and Allah is in c675452430000043c0000080c625452430000043c0000080c746578740 no need of those who deny this truth, and His perfection is free 0000000436f70797269676874202863292031393938204865776c65747 from any defects or faults. 42d5061636b61726420436f6d70616e790000646573630000000000000 012735247422049454336313936362d322e31000000000000000000000 012735247422049454336313936362d322e31000000000000000000000 000000000000000000000000000000000

AL-FAWA '10 : A Collection of Wise Syaings 11

Allah, the Exalted told mankind that whoever disbelieves, is confused but that they did not gain anything from this confusion. Allah says,~ ~~i'/

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which means, lisa they are in a confused state (cannot differentiate between right and wrong)." (Oat, 50:5) Then in this chapter, Allah invited them to consider the heavens: the way they have been built, their height, straightness, and beauty, and then to look at the earth and how He spread it out, prepared it for its purposes, fixed it with mountains, and provided all the means of life. He produces every good kind of plant with their different shapes, colors, amounts, benefits, and qualities. This indeed provides an insight and a reminder for every servant who turns to Allah, (that is to say, who believes in Allah, obeys His commands, and always begs for His forgiveness). If he ponders on this, he will perceive the meaning, which the Messengers told us about concerning Monotheism and the Resurrection. Whoever looks at the heavens and the earth will firstly meditate and secondly remember, and this will provide deeper insight to the servant who always turns to Allah with his body, heart and soul. Allah then invited them to think about the source of their subsistence;food,clothing, ships,andgardens.Thesource is water, which Allah sends down from the sky and blessed it until He produces therewith gardens and grain, different kinds of fruit:black,white,red,yellow,sweet,and sour.Allahshows the difference in their use and kinds, and He also shows the grain and its use, qualities, shapes, and amounts. He then mentions the palm trees as they contain a lesson and meaning, which will not be left a secret for the one who meditates. Allah, the Almighty says,

12 AL-FAWA '10: A Collection of Wise Sa yings

which means, "And makes the earth alive therewith after its death." (AI-Baqarah, 2:164) Then He, the Almighty says,

which means, "Thus will be the resurrection (of the dead)." (Oat,50: 11)

It means that just as plants, fruit, and grain are brought out from the earth, you will be resurrected from the earth after having been mixed with it. We have mentioned this analogy and examples of other analogies mentioned in the Our'an in the Book entitled AIMa'alim, and we explained some of their lessons. Then Allah determines prophethood using the best of determinations, the most concise words, and far removed from all suspicion and doubt. He informed mankind that He sent Messengers to the people of NGh (Noah, peace be upon him), lAd, Thamud, the people of LQ! (Lot, peace be upon him), and the people of Fir'awn (pharaoh), but they disbelieved in them. So He destroyed them with different kinds of destruction and He proved the truth of what the Messengers had promised them. This is proof of their prophethood and the prophethood of he who informed us about them. This is the prophet who had neither learnt from a teacher nor read from a book. He informed us about it in detail exactly like the people of the Book. Nothing refutes this except the question of those liars who deny the final resurrection. Whoever asks this question is a liar and such is the one who denies what has been proven and what has been passed down through the generations by the prophets and those who follow in their footsteps. Denying such

a matter is like denying the scientists, and remote countries. existence of famous kings, The Meaning of Lethargy: Allah, says, the Exalted again mentions the Resurrection. Allah

14 AL-FAWA '10: A Col!ection of Wise Sayings

Resu rrection , as it is among the greatest proofs of Monotheism. There is no greater evidence than the formation of this human being with its organs, abilities, and properties, and the flesh, bones, veins, nerves, ligaments, openings, systems, desires, and insight that it contains. All that is simply a drop in the ocean. The idea of the creation of man is enough to make any person ponder, and if he does, he will remember what the Messengers told us about Allah:which names and attributes. Allah, with the first creation?" (Oat, His means, "Were We then tired the Exalted then told 50:15) mankind that His Knowledge encompasses humanity and that He, the Exalted knows what each individual whispers to himself. He And He, the Almighty says, informed us that He is close to man through His knowledge and is close to man like a vein that is inside his body. Moreover, He is even closer to him than this vein; He has more power over him and more which means, him. was not wearied by their creation. (AIAhqaf, knowledge of "AndIf

46:33) Our sheikh said, "The meaning of IIWe here is the Angels. As Allah And He, the Almighty says, says,ll

~ '~) -,~ I ;~

J J., ~~, ~" ... "

&lJ ~l) \~P ,

which means, "And nothing of fatigue touched Us.II (Oaf, 50:38) which means, IIAnd when We have recited it to you [0 Muhammad Then He, the Almighty said, through Jibril (Gabriel)], then follow you its (the Our'an's) recital." (Al-Oiyarnah, 75:18) " ,i !".~ ...u~ .-;1;" : ~ . "1 .~ l.. ~ i~ ;:' ':T ~~ ~ ... r So Gabriel recited it to him. Our sheikh said, "The evidence is what '" ~ Allah says, which means, "They are in confused doubt about a new creation (i.e. Resurrection)?" (Qaf, 50:15)...,.

Their point of confusion is that Allah, the Almighty will recreate whichmankind as a new creation on the (recording angels) receive drew means, "That the two receivers Day of Resurrection. Allah (eachthe attention of such people toshe has attained the power, to the human being after he or His greatest proofs of age of evidence of His Divinity, and proof of the puberty)." (Qaf, 50: 17)

AL-FAWA '/0 :A Collection of Wise Syaings 15

Writing the Deeds of Man and the Two ResurrectionsAllah, the Exalted informed us about the two angels that are on the right and left of each human being and they write his words and deeds. He paid attention to the process of reckoning and writing words more than He did with writing deeds, which are less in amount as actions are the aims of words and their ultimate ends Then He mentioned the minor resurrection which is the stupor of death and that it came with the truth which is meeting with Allah, the Exalted and the soul will be brought to judgment and will have its reward or punishment which will be advanced to it before the major Day of Resurrection. Then He mentioned the major Resurrection as He, the Almighty says,

which means, "And the Trumpet will be blown, that will be the Day whereof warning (had been given) (i.e. the Day of Hesurrection)." (Qaf, 50:20) After that He, the Exalted told us about the states of all creatures on this Day and that each of them will come to Allah , the Exalted accompanied by an angel that will drive him and an angel that will bear witness against him. This is besides the witness of his limbs, and the earth, which will testify concerning what he has and the rights he has taken from others. This includes the rights of Allah, the Exalted, the rights of the messenger (peace be upon him) and the rights of the believers. Allah , the Exalted will take the testimony of the Guardians, the Prophets, the places on which bad deeds were committed, and the skin and body parts that were used in committing sins. He, the Exalted will not judge them only according to His knowledge even though He is the most Just. That is why He told His Prophet (peace be upon him) that He judges between people according to what He heard from their confession as well as evident testimony and not according to

16 AL-FAWA '10: A Collection of Wise Sayings

His knowledge alone. How can any ruler judge according to his knowledge without neither sign nor confession? Then He, the Exalted mentioned the heedless state of mankind concerning this matter while they should not be apathetic at all. Allah, the Almighty says,

which means, "Indeed you were heedless of this." (Oat, 50:22) In another verse, He, the Almighty says,

which means, "And indeed they are in grave doubt concerning it (this Our'an)." (Had, 11 :110) The Companion and his Dispute Then Allah informed us that every human being has a companion who is constantly with him and that companion is an angel. This angel writes down his words and deeds, whether they are good or bad. When the angel brings him to Allah, he will say, "This is the one that You had appointed me to accompany in life. I brought him 2 to You." This is the saying of Mujahid. Ibn Qutaibah said, "The meaning is that this is what I have written and counted from his words and deeds. They are all recorded here. The verse includes both meanings. That is to say, this person is the one whom I have been accompanyingHe is Mujahid bin Jabr, Abu AI-Hajaj from Mecca. He is from the followers and is a scholar of recitation and exposition. He learned exegesis from Ibn 'Abbas, a famous scholar of this nation. He passed away in 104 A.H. See Tahdhlb At-Tahdhlb, Yo1.1, pA2, AI-Jar!J. wat-Te'dit, vol.s, p.1469, Mlzan AII'tida/, vol.S, p.439, Usan AI-Mlzan, yol.7, p.349, and Siyar A 'lam An-Nubete', vol.c, p.449.2

AL-FAWA'IO : A Collection of Wise Syaings 17

and these are his deeds, which I have counted. Then Allah, the Almighty will say,

which means, "(And it will be said), "Both of you throw (Order from Allah to the two angels) into HeIL" (Oaf 50:24) The order may be referring to the two angels or to the angel that accompanied him during life, and it is the same. The way this speech is written is quite famous among the Arabs. Allah then mentioned six characteristics of the person who would be thrown into Hellfire:One: He is a disbeliever in Allah, His rights, His religion, Monotheism, His Names, His attributes, His Messengers, and His Angels. He disbelieved in His Books and the Resurrection. Two: He rejects the truth due to his stubbornness and denial. Three: He hinders good and that includes both the good that would be done to him if he performed good deeds and the good done to other people. There is no good in him neither for himself nor for his people and this is the state of most creatures. Four: Besides hindering good to people, he transgresses against man with his hand and his tongue. He is unjust and an oppressor. Five: He is doubtful, in fact he is suspicious. Six: Although being a polytheist, who sets up another god with Allah, he worships, loves and hates for His sake , swears by Him, gives oaths to Him, and takes friends and enemies for His sake. The disbeliever might even quarrel with his companions from the devils and Satan would accuse him of wronging himself and that he is the one who pushed himself to transgress. His companion would say that it never had the

18 AL-FA WA 'ID: A Collection of Wise Sayings

power to mislead him but he was himself in error and far astray so he chose his condition for himself. Allah says that Satan would say to the people of Hellfire,

which means, III had no authority over you except that I called you, so you responded to me." (Ibrahim, 14:22) So his companion here is Satan and they are disputing in the presence of Allah. Another group said, II His companion here is the Angel. He will claim that the angel exaggerated in his writing, was unjust, and that he did not commit all these sins, and that the angel was quick and did not give him a chance to repent before he wrote. The Angel would say that he did not add anything in his writing more than what was really done and that he was not quick to write. Allah says that Angel would say,

which means, "But he was himself in error far astray." (Oaf, 50:27) Allah, the Almighty would say,

which means, "Dispute not in front of Me. (Oat, 50:28)1I

4(~~7 :S:.J ij-~ ~~1 ~ JlJ ~

Allah informed us about the quarrels between the disbelievers and Satan in His presence in chapter of As-Satat and Al-A'rat, the disputes of people in His presence in chapter Az-Zumar, and the disputes of people of Hellfire in chapter Ash-Shu'ara' and Sad.

AL-FA WA '10 : A Collec'ion of Wise Syaings 19

After that Allah, the Exalted told us that the Punishment He decrees cannot be changed. This is mentioned in the following verse,

which means, "Surely, I shall fill Hell with jinns and men all together." (HOd, 11 :119) Also His promise to the people of faith to enter Paradise and this will never be changed or reneged. Ibn 'Abbas said, "He wants to say that My promise will never be changed either concerning people who obey Me or those who disobey." Mujahid said, liAs if He says, "I have executed what I had decreed. And these are the most correct explanations of this verse."II

There is another opinion that the meaning is: sayings would never be changed just because of some lies and false reports, as often occurs in the presence of kings and rulers. So the saying here is that of those who dispute with each other. This is the opinion of Al-Farra'" and Ibn Qutaibah. As Al-Farra' said, "The meaning is that no one will tell lies in the presence of Allah as He knows the unseen." And Ibn Qutaibah said, lilt means that sayings will never be distorted, increased, or decreased in Allah's presence. As he said, "The sayings in My presence and not My sayinqs." This is, lilies will never be told in My presence." So from this one point the following two verses bear the same meaning. Allah says,

3 Al-Farra'

is Yahya bin Ziyad bin 'Abdullah bin ManOr, Abu Zakariyya from Kutah. He is a scholar of grammar and linguistics. They used to say to him , "The emir of believers in grammar. " He passed away in 207 A.H. See Tahdhlb At-Tahdhlb , vo1.121, p.212, AI-Ansab, vol.10, p.155, and Tarlkh Baghdad, vo1.14, p.149.

20 AL-FAWA '/0: A Collection of Wise Sa yings

which means, "And I am not unjust (to the least) to My slaves." (QEd, 50:29) And He, the Exalted says,

~ : ~-):

... jAj \~" ~, l~~ 01~j ... , is Salman Al-Farisy, who was a great companion. His roots went back to Magus of Asbahan . He was brought up in a village called .Jlyan. He read the books of thewhich means, IIAnd it may be thattraveled to Arab countries, met the Persians, the Romans, and the Jews. He you dislike a thing which is (peace be you.him) in Ouba' Mosque, embraced Islam, and the Muslims Prophet good for upon II (AI-Baqarah, 2:216) helped him until he freed himself from slavery. He died (may Allah be pleased with him) in 0 Adam (Adam, peace be p. 417, Tajrid Asma' A-Sal1abah, vol. 1, 36 A.D. See Usd At-Gbeoer; vol.2, upon him)! I did not drive you out from Paradise in order to give it to others; I removed you in p.230, AI-Ist/'ab, vol.2, p.634, AI-/abah, vol.3, p.141. 14 AI-Walld bin AI-MughTrah bin 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin MakhzOm. He By Allah! Adam neither has good order to complete it for you. was from the judges of Arabia during the PreIslamic his and from the chiefs of Quraish. him) when he committed and from era glory (Angels bowed to He showed enmity toward Islam his resisted it. He died three months after emigration. See AI-Bidayah wan-Nihayah, sin, nor honor (knowing the names of all things), nor any vol.3, p.246.13 He

.--_ J ~ JJ .... J p"', J .... ~~ ! __ .... .,

characteristic (Allah

64 AL-FAWA '/0: A Collection of Wise Sayings

came in the Roman caravan, An-Najashy was in Abyssinia saying: 16 0 my Lord! Here I am at Your service, Bilal calls, "Prayer is better than sleep", and Abu Jahl is with the disbelieving group. Now we shall recount the story of Salman Al-Farisy, and we should start from the beginning. We mentioned that he was a Majian as were all his countrymen. He knew about Christianity and converted to it. He argued with his father and beat him with proofs so his father tied him up as punishment. This indeed, is the way of the people of evil. Fir'awn (Pharaoh) responded in the same way with MOsa (Moses, peace be upon him). Allah says that Fir'awn said,

which means, "Fir'awn (Pharaoh) said: "lf you choose an ilah (god) other than me, I will certainly put you among the prisoners." (AshSbu'ara', 26:29) Al-Jahmiyyah17 also did the same with Imam Ahmad and whipped him. The people of innovations imprisoned Ibn Taimiyah. Salman was persecuted like them. After escaping from his father's clutches, Salman found a caravan that wasbin Sinan bin Malik, from Banu An-Namir bin Oasit, who was agreat companion. He was from the first to embrace Islam. He died (may Allah be pleased with him) 38 A.H. See Usd AI-Ghabah, vol.3, p. 36, Tajrid Asme ' A~ Sa!1abah, vol.1, p.268, AI-1st/'ab, vol.2, p.726, AI-/~abah , vol.3, p.449. 1"6 Bila' bin Habah AI-Habashy, Abu 'Abdullah. He was the Mu'adhin (caller to prayer) of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and the guardian of the public treasury. He witnessed all the battles and passed away in Damascus 20 A.H. See Usd AIGhabah, vol.1, p.246, Tajrfd Asma' A~Sa!1abah, vol. 1, p.56, AI-Isti'ab, vol.1, p.178, AI-/~abah, vol.1, p.326. 17 They are a devious group that claim to be Muslims. Its principle is to deny the attributes of Allah. It claims that Hell and Paradise will perish and that faith means to know Allah while being ignorant. They are the followers of Jahm binSatwanAr-Rasiby.SeeSharhAI-'AqTdahAt-Tahawiyah,p.522.15 Suhaib

about to leave , so he fled and traveled. He accompanied them hoping to find the truth and dedicated himself totally to serving monks. When the monks felt that their religion was about to end they told Salman about the signs that would prove the prophethood of our Prophet and said that this religion was about to appear. They advised him to follow it. Later he was betrayed and was sold to a Jew in Medina. He waited for the new religion, until the news came while he was climbing a palm tree. He hurried to meet the Prophet (peace be upon him) His master cried out to him to take care of his work but he said how could he do so while he was busy with something else. When he met the Messenger (peace be upon him), he compared the two religions and embraced Islam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said once, "Salman is from us; (from my) family:' 0 Muhammad! You want Abu Tatib and we want Salman; if Abu Talib was asked about his name, he would say, "Abdumanaf". If he was asked about his relatives, he would say he is from a great family. If he is asked about wealth he would mention his camels, but if Salman was asked about his name he would say, "Abdullah", and about his relatives he would say 'Islam' , his wealth is pove rty, his coffin is the mosque, and what he has won is patience. His clothing is piety and humility, his bed is staying up at night , his aim is to stand in front of Allah, and his path leads to Paradise.

Lessons and Warnings Sins are wounds and one wound may cause death. If your mind was free from the manipulation of your whims , the authority would return to it (mind). If you indulge in pleasure, you are gambling with your life. If you see a forbidden act, know that it will start a war , and you should protect yourself as Allah says,

66 AL-FAWA'/0:A Collection of Wise Sayingsffd8ffe000104a46494600010201009600960000ffe20c584943435f50524f46494c45000 10100000c484c696e6f021000006d6e74725247422058595a2007ce000200090006003 10000616373704d534654000000004945432073524742000000000000000000000000 0000f6d6000100000000d32d4850202000000000000000000000000000000000000000 000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001163707274000 001500000003364657363000001840000006c77747074000001f000000014626b70740 0000204000000147258595a00000218000000146758595a0000022c000000146258595 which means, IITell the believing men to lower their gaze a0000024000000014646d6e640000025400000070646d6464000002c40000008876756 (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private 5640000034c0000008676696577000003d4000000246c756d69000003f8000000146d6 561730000040c0000002474656368000004300000000c725452430000043c0000080c6 parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.). That is purer for them. 75452430000043c0000080c625452430000043c0000080c7465787400000000436f707 Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what they do." (AnNOr, 24:30) 97269676874202863292031393938204865776c6574742d5061636b61726420436f6d7 0616e790000646573630000000000000012735247422049454336313936362d322e31 000000000000000000000012735247422049454336313936362d322e3100000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 If you do so you will be safe from the consequences. Allah

says,

which means, "Allah sufficed for the believers fighting." (AIAhzab, 33:25)

In

the

The sea of pleasures may drown its owner and the swimmer fears to open his eyes under the water. Allah promised you the pleasures of the Hereafter, so do not be in a hurry and seek them in this worldly life as if you are cutting plants before their harvest time, while they are much better if you wait. Likewise , the pleasures of the Hereafter are so much better. Buy for yourself (through doing good deeds) while there is still a market and you have the ability to buy. Everyone will pass through times of sleep and neglect (following his lusts) , but do not sink into sleep as the morning of the hereafter is close at hand. The truth will only be shown to perceptive people who will use the light of their minds to see the consequences of the matters they face.

Get yourself out of this limited world of diseases to the wide world of the Hereafter, which has what the eyes have never seen. Nothing is impossible there, and love is not lost. 0 you who sold yourself for the sake of something that will cause you suffering and pain , and which will also lose its beauty, you sold the most precious item for the cheapest price, as if you neither knew the value of the goods nor the meanness of the price. Wait until you come to the Day of mutual loss and gain and you will discover the injustice of this contract. "There is no god but Allah" is something that Allah is buying. Its price is Paradise, and the Messenger is its agent, and you will be pleased to part with a small part of this worldly life to obtain it. The part you lose is a small part of something that as a whole is not worth a mosquito's wing. You have a weak will and the path of life is hard. Adam tired on this path, Nub (Noah, peace be upon him) lamented for it, Ibrahim (Abraham peace be upon him) was thrown into the fire because of it, lsrna'il (Ishmael, peace be upon him) was about to be slaughtered in its cause, Yusuf (Joseph, peace be upon him) was sold for a cheap price and was imprisoned for several years , Zakariyah (Zachary, peace be upon him) was sawed in half, Yahya (John, peace be upon him) was slaughtered, Aiyub (Job, peace be upon him) suffered distress, Dawud (David, peace be upon him) cried, lisa (Jesus, peace be upon him) accompanied dangerous creatures, and Muhammad, (peace be upon him) suffered poverty and many kinds of harm. You say that you are enjoying yourself with pleasure and delight! War is breaking out and you are unarmed standing with those who are watching from a distance and if you are going to participate you wi/I loose.

If you do not work hard and face difficulties along your way in seeking glory, you will never taste honor and relief when you attain victory.

It was said to one of the worshipers: You are tiring

yourself so much! He said: I want to achieve comfort from it. The human being was honored with blessings of faith and good health, but he misused them, so they were justly taken away from him. The pleasures of life are similar to brides who are dressing for those who will prefer and choose; them or the brides (rewards) of the Hereafter, and whoever knows the significant difference between the two, will choose the best (the Hereafter). The intentions of pious people are like planets that move in towers without any obstacle. 0 you who have gone astray, make sure to catch the right way once again even from its end, as an Amir protects the end of his army. It was said to AI-Hasan: people that did good deeds preceded us (likened to those who are riding good horses) while we are as it riding donkeys. He said, lilt you are walking on the right way, you will catch up with them quickly:'

AL-FAWA'IO : A Collection of Wise Syaings 67

68 A L-FAWA '10 : A Collection of Wise Sayings

A Precious Gem: Lessons Whoever lacks amiability with people and finds it in seclusion , verily he is a truthful but feeble character and whoever finds it with people and lacks it in seclusion, surely he is an ailing one. Whoever lacks it both with people and in seclusion, surely, his character is dead.

AL-FAWA'IO: A Collection of Wise Syaings 69

And whoever finds it both in seclusion and with people, surely he is an affectionate, truthful and strong character. He, who finds delight in seclusion, cannot have more delight except with seclusion, and he, who finds delight with people by advising and guiding them , cannot have more delight except in their company. Finally, whoever finds delight with whatever Allah has willed for him, more delight will be granted to him both in seclusion and in the company of people. Thus, the most honorable condition is to submit to the will of Allah. The same light exists in the pure hearts that is found in nature, as it brightens from the laws of Allah. Allah, the Exalted, says,~ :~~..."" ~

JG ~~ . /..:5 ~ yJj :~ ~5~~ ... ,

which means, "whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself), though no fire touched it." (An-NOr, 24:35) Qiss18 believed in Allah despite never having seen the Messenger (peace be upon him), however, Ibn Ubay disbelieved despite performing prayers in the mosque along with the Messenger. The prophecy of MOsa (Moses) and the faithfulness of Asyah -the wife of Fir'awn (Pharaoh) -were predestined, he was put in the chest, and the chest was brought to her house. A tiny baby from a mother was given to a barren woman. Look! How many lessons can be derived from this story! And how many male infants were killed by Fir'awn (Pharaoh) in his attempt to reach MOsEl (Moses)! However it was predestined that MOsEl

70 AL-FAWA '10 : A Collection of Wise Sayings

(Moses) would be brought up under the care of Fir'awn (Pharaoh) and would also be the means of his destruction. Dhul-Biiadain was an orphan boy, whose uncle took care of him. But he was obsessed by the idea of following the Messenger (peace be upon him). Upon his decision to follow the Messenger, his was afflicted with a disease, so he waited for his uncle. When he was cured , he lost patience so he told his uncle, 110 Uncle! I waited a long time hoping that you might embrace Islam but in vain:' His uncle replied, IIBy Allah! If you embrace Islam, I shall deprive you of all that which I granted you:' He (Dhul-Bfjadain) said, "Just one look at Muhammad is preferable to me than all this worldly life, and everything therein." When Dhul-Bijadain decided to follow the Messenger (peace be upon him), his uncle deprived him of everything even his clothes, so his mother gave him a piece of cloth. He cut it in two pieces, one of which he wrapped himself with, and the other he used as a garment. When Jihad (fighting for the cause of Allah) was prescribed, he decided to join the believers, regardless of the long journey he would have to undertake. When he passed away, the Messenger (peace be upon him) descended to prepare his grave by himself, and he used to say, "0 Allah! I am satisfied with him, so I beg You to be satisfied with him." Upon that, Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said, III wish I were him (he meant DhulBijadain)." 18 Qiss: He is Qiss bin Sa'idah bin 'Arnr bin 'Ady bin Malik Al-Ayady, and he belongsto Banu Ayad. He was one of the Arab scho lars and preachers in the pre-Islam ic era. He was eloquent and well versed. The Prophet (PBUH) said that he will be resurrected alone as if heisanation.Hediedin23 A.H.

AL-FAWA '/0 :A Collect ion of Wise Syaings 71

Once, some wise men saw a non-Arab horse used for watering, in which they said, "lf it were tame, it would have been ridden. Afflictions are but trials by which the faithful are distinguished from the unfaithful, and if you were to succeed therein, they would be turned to supporters by which you could attain your objective.

72 A L-FAWA 'ID: A Collection of Wise Sayings

(polytheists, disbelievers, sinners, criminals, etc.).11 (Al-Mursalat, 77:46) When the successful ones are aware of the reality of this worldly life being sure of the inferiority of its degree, they overcame their vain desires for the sake of the Hereafter. They have been awakened from their heedlessness to remember what their enemies took from them during their period of idleness. Whenever they perceive the Precious Gem:they must of Deception A distant journey This Life undertake, they remember their aim, so it appears easy for them. Whenever life This worldly life is like an unchaste woman, who is not becomes bitter, they remember this verse, in which Allah says, satisfied with one husband. So, be satisfied with whatever Allah grants you from this worldy life. Walking thereon is like walking in a land that is filled with beasts, and water that teams with crocodiles. That which causes delight, which means, "This is your Day which you were promised." (AIturns to be the source of grief. Pain is found in the midst of Anbiya', 21 :103) pleasures, and delights are derived from its sorrows. As a bird sees the wheat, soChapter: A insight perceive polytheism, while vain does one's Wondrous Reality desires render its holder blind. What a wonderful thing it is to know Him (i.e. Allah)! But how can Lusts were granted Him? How can one hear the caller but one know Him and not lovein abundance to humans, but those who fail tobelieved inHow can one turnedthe profit thatthem, be gained in who respond? the unseen know away from shall while those follow their lusts still caused to regret. dealing with Him but were prefer others? How can one taste the bitternessfirst category, are those, instill abstain says, seeking the The of disobeying Him but which Allah from pleasure of obeying Him? How can one feel the severity of _ J ., "~ " engaging in trivial speech,;-~ ,--: )~I ~~jlj ~.J~ cS heart with His 4: :-I but fail to open your ~ Ji-~jl t remembrance? How can one be tortured by being attached to others but means, "They are on (true) guidance fromto Him in and which not rush toward the bliss of turning their Lord, repentance? the successful." (AI-Baqarah, 2:5) they areJ ~J ,." ... ...." .... ... ,// , "" ... .... ...

~

Perhaps it is most other category, are that while you are in says, of However, the surprising to know those to whom Allah need Him , you are still reluctant to move toward Him because you seek _ ... J.,t J-: ~ "" J,. ....... , .c !i~:'~ ' e. : \ ':>W I -: -/ I -\(' others. "~ed, uy~ ~! ~/ ~J )A.I 'Y 1JJ

which means, "(0 you disbelievers)! Eat and enjoy yourselves (in this worldly life) for a little while. Verily, you are the MujrimQn

AL-FAWA 'IO : A Collection of Wise Syaings 73

A Precious Gem: Sources of UnlawfulnessNo one can indulge in unlawfulness except for two reasons, the first of which is failing to trust in Allah, despite the fact that if one obeys Him, he will surely be granted the best of lawful gains. The second reason is knowing that whoever abandons anything for the sake of Allah, surely He will grant him something better than what he has abandoned. Unfortunately, his vain desires surpass his patience and his inclination overpowers his mind. The first one has poor knowledge, and the second one has poor insight. Yahya bin Mu'adh19 said, IIHe whom Allah opens his heart with invocation, surely Allah will respond to him." I added, "but he whom Allah opens his heart, and feels in need of Allah , and his hope is strong, then Allah will respond to him."

A Precious Gem: BenefitsWhen those, who are vigilant observe the influence of this worldly life upon those who seek it, the deceit of false hopes, the control of Satan, the domination of souls, and material fortune in the hands of evil ones, they resort to piety and submission, like a scared slave who seeks refuge in his master's house. The desires direeted at this worldly life are simply deceptive enjoyment, and the insight of the ignorant is restricted to superficial matters, while the wise man perceives that which is hidden from the others. Once, two foxes were caught. While trapped in the net, one of them asked the other where he could meet him afterwards, and the other one replied that they would meet after two days in the tannery.

74 A L-FAWA '10 : A CollectionorWise Sayings

By Allah! This worldly life is like a dream. After waking up, success may be one's destiny. Passing days are like dreams, the coming ones are wishes, and the time separating them is wasted. How can one feel secure, who has an unmerciful wife, an unforgiving son, a distrusting neighbor, a friend who gives no advice, a partner who misjudges him, an enemy whose hostility never ceases, a soul that is inclined to evil, an adorned world, vain desires, influential lusts, furious anger, the deception of Satan , and controlling weakness? If Allah rescued and guided him, all these problems would be under control, and if Allah deserted and abandoned him, leaving him on his own, all these distresses would cause his destruction. When the Glorious Our'an, and the Sunnah are abandoned, because it is thought that they are insufficient, and when human opinions, analogy, discretion, and the words of scholars are sought, people's natures are corrupted, their hearts become dark, their understandings become confused , and their minds become distorted. All the previously mentioned matters had a great impact on their lives to the extent that the young and the old lived under these circumstances, thinking them to be allowed. Alternative conditions prevailed, in which innovated matters replaced Prophetic traditions, inclination replaced wisdom, vain desires replaced reason, going astray replaced guidance, the wrong replaced the good, ignorance replaced knowledge, hypocrisy replaced devotion, the unlawful replaced the lawful, lying substituted truthfulness, flattery substituted advice, and injustice replaced justice, thus these evils reigned supreme, and their holders became privileged, despite the prevalence of their opposite in the past, where their holders were the privileged ones. If you

He is called Yahya bin Mu'adh bin Ja'far At-Hazy Abu Zakariyya, one of the ascetic preachers, who lived in Balakh and died in Nisapore in 258 A.H.19

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see the superiority of such evils, and their slogans are set up where their armies are invading, surely the bottom of the earth would be much more desirable than its surface, the peaks of mountains would be more preferable than the plains, and accompanying beasts would be better than accompanying people. The earth trembles, the heavens have darkened, evil has appeared on land and on sea because of the injustice of the wicked, evil doers. Blessings have disappeared, good deeds are less, and the beasts have become powerless, life has become corrupted because of the wickedness of the wrong-doers. The morning light and the night's darkness shed tears , because of the awful deeds that are committed. Honorable writers among the angels and others from among them have complained to their Lord because of the prevalence of misdeeds and the supremacy of atrocities. By Allah! This is a warning of approaching torment, and forthcoming afflictions, so you have no resort except sincere repentance as long as repentance is still available. Do not wait until there is no escape in which Allah says,

which means, "And those who do wrong will come to know by what overturning they will be overturned. (Ash-Shu'ara', 26:227) Buy success for yourself today, for the market still exists, and the price is affordable, and goods are low-priced, and do not wait until the market and the goods are inaccessible, in which Allah says,II

76 AL-FAvVA'IO: A Collection ol vvise Sayings

which means, "That will be the Day of mutual loss and qain. " (AtTaqhabun, 64:9) Allah says,

which means, "when the Zalim (wrong-doer, oppressor, polytheist, etc.) will bite at his hands." (Al-Furqan, 25:27) Insincere effort is like the traveler who fills his bag with sand, it just overburdens him for no good reason. If you have overburdened your heart with the grief and sorrows of this worldly life, neglecting prayers, which are the heart's provision and power, you would be like the traveler who overloaded his riding animal, while depriving it of its food, so it would not be able to continue on the journey. He who tastes the pleasure of good health, surely the bitterness of patience will become easy for him. The aim has the priority in estimation, it is the last in existence, it is the principle according to the mind, and it is the end of the journey. You have been powerless for a long time , so if your intention is highly elevated, the brightness of determination will loom above you. The disparity of people is based on their determination rather than their images. Feeling powerless is a deceptive excuse. The difference between you and the righteous people are the influence of vain desires, so if you want to approach the righteous, overpower your desires. This worldly life is like a racetrack, but the dust is overwhelming and the race cannot

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be seen. The people therein are either mounted or dismounted, or the owners of slaughtered beasts. There is evil in human nature, but enthusiasm is the best. Greed is not overcome except in overcoming vain desires. Being determined to reach your aim entails the exertion of your utmost effort, and being cautious for fear of losing hope. The stingy person is the poor one, whose poverty is unrewarded. Patience during distress is better than yielding to others. The noble woman prefers hunger rather than immorality. Resort to no one but your Lord, for resorting to others is a disgrace. Worshipping in solitude brings about pleasure. Resort to the eternal, but never resort to the mortal. The solitude of the ignorant is corruption while the solitude of the knowledgeable is fruitful. If wisdom and conviction are combined (in seclusion), and deep thought is gained, a fruitful conversation will take place. If your enemy abuses you, do not respond to his abuse for the result will be degradation. Avenging oneself is not wise, for if you know the reality of your soul, you might inadvertently help your enemy against yourself. If the blaze of revenge is derived from the blaze of wrath, the wrathful will burn first.

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Restrict your anger with tolerance, for anger is like a dog: if you set it free, it will cause damage. He, whose destiny is happiness, will be guided without having to inquire. If success is preordained to anyone, the seeds of good fortune would be implanted in his heart, and then they would be watered with hope and fear of Allah, then self-control will be granted, and knowledge will be the guardian that will protect him, and as a result, the plant will stand straight on its stem. If determination is adopted in the state of powerlessness , which is followed by strong resolution, surely the heart will be enlightened by the light of Allah. When night descends, sleep and sleeplessness struggle, fear of Allah and longing for Allah are the soldiers of wakefulness, while idleness and delaying are the soldiers of heedlessness. If determination is adopted, and negligence is defeated, then by the time day breaks, every party will take his share. A night rider undergoes hardship; in a marching army, the cavalry come in the front, while those who carry supplies are at the rear. Do not feel weary of standing by His door (i.e. Allah) even if you are driven away, and never stop asking His forgiveness even if you feel it is rejected. When the door is opened for the accepted ones, do not miss this chance and rush therein intruding, and stretch forth your hands saying,

0 you who seeks provision without piety! How can you be satisfied with sins and still complain about your provision being straightened? If your aim is piety, other aims are never missed . Misdeeds stand as a block for earning. Surely, one can be deprived of provision by committing sins. Animals kept for reproduction are not on the same level as those meant for racing. The worker, who wants to know his degree in the master's eye, should first observe how much he works for him. Be the son of the Hereafter, and do not be the son of this worldly life, verily, the son follows his mother. This worldly life is not worth the movement of your footsteps thereon , so it is not wise to be misled by it. This worldly life is like the carrion , and indeed the lion hesitates to seize it. This worldly life resembles a passageway, and the Hereafter resembles the homeland , and indeed the wishes of pious men are directed toward the homelands. There are two kinds of meetings between friends:

which means, Be charitable to us. (YOsuf, 12:88)II II

80 AL-FAWA '(0: A Collection of Wise Sayings

2)

Being excessively talkative.

3) That such meetings become a habit or routine and they fail to achieve their aims. In general, the result of social meetings will be derived from the source, which is either for the soul inclined to evil, or for the heart and the peaceful soul. If the source is good, surely the fruit wiII also be good. Pure souls derive their nature from their Lord, while evil ones derive their nature from the devil. Hence, Allah, the Exalted and Ever Majestic, renders good women for good men and bad men for bad women.

An Important Rule: There is no Power or Strength except with AllahIn this physical world, there is no force that can influence independently; and not only that, there is no force that has influence on its own, unless another force is joined to it and all that hinders its effect is gone. This is true of the forces that can be seen. Unseen and abstract forces depend on other forces, like the influence of the sun on animals and plants. In the same way, having a child depends on a number of forces other than sexual intercourse. This is the truth of forces and their effects. Therefore, is anything is feared or hopedkind is a meeting based creation , it and spending The first for from anything in on sociability must be time, in which there of more disadvantages than advantages, remembered that the extent areits capacity is that it is a part of a the least of which is corruption of the heart, and wasting time. force that does not alone possess the ability to influence. Moreover nothing possesses the ability to independently influence anything else, without depending on others, except Allah, the One, the The second kind is a meeting for the sake of supporting one Irresistible. another, and recommending one another to the truth and to patience. This is the anyone or yet there benefit three Therefore, we should not expectbest kind, anything to are still us disadvantages therein, nor should we fear anyone or anything except Allah. Surely depending on others or fearing them is worthless. If it is supposed 1) Flattering each other. that it is an independent force, capable of influencing

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alone, there would still be another force from something otter than it. It has no ability that enables it to do anything by itseIf, for there is no power or strength except with Allah . He is the only One Who has entire power and strength, and what mankind hopes and fears from the power and strength he sees in people are in reality owned and controlled by Allah alone. So, why should we hope for and fear that which does not possess either power or strength? The reality is that fearing anything in creation and hoping for it, are the causes that deprive and afflict the person who hopes for it or fears it. This is so according to the degree that you fear anything other than Allah, as you will be under its influence. And you will also be deprived according to the degree that you hope for other than Him. This applies to all people both in the levels of knowledge and status. Therefore, that which Allah wills happens and that which He does not ordain , will never happen even if all the creatures agree upon it. Monotheism Prevents Misfortunes Monotheism is the refuge of its enemies and its supporters: It saves its enemies from the distress and misfortunes of the life of this world:.: lSI ~~iT J~ I r~ l~i I :~~ ~ ~T:J

I~~ ~,

r-A s -f:..l ! . (t.... ~ .T ,. ~ y:-;;-; ~

.. _ I~ :&\ i~'; ~.fu.H ,q L)~J~

which means, "And when they embark on a ship, they invoke Allah , making their Faith pure for Him only , but when He brings them safely to land, behold, they give a share of their worship to others ." (AI-'AnkabC1t, 29:65)

82 AL-FAWA'/0:A Collection ofWiseSayings

It saves its supporters from the distress and misfortunes of this world and the Hereafter. That is why YOnus resorted to it, and AIahsavedhimfromthe darknessofthewhale'sbelly. In the same way , the followers of the Prophets resorted to it and by it they were saved from that which the polytheists were tortured with in this world and that which is prepared for them in the Hereafter. When Fir'aun (Pharoah) resorted to it at the time he saw death and he was about to drown, it was of no avail to him, because faith is of no avail at the time when the soul witnesses the reality. This is Allah's way with His servants. Nothing prevents the misfortunes of this world like Monotheism. That is why the supplication of distress is done with Monotheism, and as an example of this we remember the supplication of Dhun-NOn, (Yunus) 20 which no distressed person used to supplicate with but Allah drove his distress away. On the other hand, nothing causes great distress like polytheism, and nothing saves man from it except Monotheism. Therefore, it is the refuge and the fortress of all creation. And truly Allah is the only One who grants success.

A Precious Gem: Knowledge is Followed by LoveLove is followed by pleasure. It is either strong or weak according to the degree of love. Whenever the desire for the20 It

is the supplication in the following words of Allah, the Exalted,~~}, J (;;";.

JJ~~1-'1J ~l -'j vi~I J l5;8 ~ j~ J vl 0W ~ ~~ ~J SJ.,JI I~) ~~~i:~1

f t ,! ,., .. .... .. ~~ t" ...

~

J -: .J ~ ..

..

Which means uAnd (remember) Dhan-NOn (Jonah), when he went off in anger, and imagined that We shall not punish him (i.e. the calamites which had befa llen him)! But he cried through the darkness (saying): La ilaha ilia Anta [none has the right to be worshipped but You (0 Allah)], Glorified (and Exalted) are You [above all that (evil) they associate with You]. Truly, I have been of the wrong-doers." (AlAnbiya', 21: 87)

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cherished one is stronger, there is perfect pleasure. Love and yearning follow knowing Allah and appreciating His greatness. Whenever our knowledge of Allah is perfect) we will love Him more perfectly. Therefore, the perfection of blessing and pleasure in the Hereafter can be traced back to knowledge and love. Whoever believes in Allah, His Names and Attributes, and knows them well, would love Him a great deal, and his feeling of pleasure, his being close to Him, looking at His Face and hearing His words would be complete when meeting Him on the Day of Judgment. Every pleasure, blessing, joy and delight would be like a drop of water compared to the sea. So how is it that an intelligent person can prefer weak and shortlived pleasure that is mixed with pain, to great, complete and eternal pleasure? The perfection of man is based on these two abilities: Knowledge and love. And the best knowledge is the knowledge about Allah, and the highest love is the love for His Sake. Surely, it is Allah's help that should be sought.

A Rule: Two Restraints that RescueWhoever performs a deed for the sake of Allah and the Hereafter, can only stay on the straight path by having two restraints: to let his heart continually seek Allah's Pleasure and the Hereafter, and restrain it from turning to anything other than that. And to restrain his tongue from that which is not beneficial, and constantly remember Allah and that which increases its faith and knowledge, and restrain his body from committing sins and indulging in lusts, and adhering to religious duties and recommendations. He should maintain these restraints until he meets his Lord to free him from restraint to enter the widest and best of places. And if he did not endure these two restraints, and indulges in lusts and desires, he will be punished with a horrible restraint while leaving this world. Therefore, all those who leave this world are either freed from

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this worldly restraint or are going to another kind of restraint in the Hereafter. And it is Allah Who Grants success. Piety Ibn 'Aun 21 was saying good bye to a man and said to him, "You should fear Allah, for he who fears Allah never feels loneliness. Zaid bin Aslam 22 said, "It used to be said, "Whoever fears Allah, people will love him even if they hated it. At-Thawry 23 said to Ibn Abu Dhi'b, "If you fear Allah, He will suffice you against people, and if you fear people, they will not avail you whatsoever against Allah." Sutaiman bin Oawud said, "We have been given the same as that which people have been given as well as that which they have not been given. And we have been taught the same as that which people have been taught and that which they have not. However, we have not found anything better than the fear of Allah secretly and openly, and justice whether one is angry or pleased, and temperance whether one is rich or poor. In the book Az-Zuhud, by Imam Ahmad, he mentions a divine saying that goes as follows "If someone holds fast to someone21 He

is 'Abdullah bin 'Aun bin Artaban AI-Mazniy. He was one of the memorizers of hadith. He was the sheikh of AI-Basra. Ath-Thawry and Yahya AI-Qattan learnt from him. Adopted from: Tahdhib At-Tahdhib (5\346), Tarikh Al-Bukhary Alkabir (5\163), Aj-Jar]; wat-Ta'dil (1\145), (5\605) and Siyar A'larnu-Nubata' (6\364). 22 He is Zaid bin Aslam AI-'Adawy AI-'Amriy, Abu Usamah. He was an Islamic jurist and an interpreter of the Qur'an from the people of Al-Madinah. He was an excellent memorizer, and had a group of students who used to attend his lectures in the Prophet's Mosque. He died (may Allah have mercy upon him) in 136 A. H. Adopted from Tahdhib At-TahdhTb (3\395), Tankh Al-Bukhary Alkabir (3\387), Aj-Jarb wat-Ta'dTI (3\2509). 23 He is Sufyan bin Said bin MasrOq At-Thawry, Abu 'Abdullah, from the children of Thawr bin 'Abd u Manat, from MuQar. He was an amir of the believers in hadith. He died (may Allah have mercy upon him) in 161 A. H. Adopted from Tahdhib At-Tahdhib (4\111), Tarikh Al-Bukhary Alkabir (4\92), Aj-Jarb. wat-Ta'dll (4\972), Mizanul-I'tidal (2\169) and Lisanul-Mlzan (7\233).

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else other than Me, I would leave the person without any help. If he asks Me for anything I would not give it to him , and if the person supplicates Me, I would not answer him, and if he asks My Forgiveness, I would not forgive him. And if someone holds fast to Me without anything in My creation , I would guarantee his provision. If he asks Me for anything, I would give it to him, and if he supplicates Me, I would answer him, and if he asks My Forgiveness, I would forgive him."

A Precious Gem: Good Character is a Part of PietyThe Prophet (peace be upon him) established a relationship between the fear of Allah and good character, becausefearing Allah improves the relation between the servant and Allah , and good character improves the relation between a person and others . Therefore, fearing Allah makes it possible for Allah to love him, and good manners makes it possible for people to love that person.

A Precious Gem: Examples and LessonsIn order to be close to Allah and Paradise! the servant has to observe two important things: one concerning himself, and the other concerning people. That is to say he should pardon that which is between him and the people, and should not let people come between him and Allah. Therefore, he should not turn to anyone other than the person who guided him to Allah and the way that leads to Him.

o

servant of Allah! The Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) are great examples.

which means, "Draws near for mankind their reckoning, while they turn away in heedlessness." (Al-Anbiya', 21:1)

86 A L-FAWA '10 : A Collec tion of Wise Sayings

Their hearts were restless with fear, and tears ran down their cheeks due to fear of Allah just like water flows through the valleys according to their measure.

which means, "And the valleys flow according to their measure." (Ar-Ra'd, 13:17) This worldly life adorned itself for 'Aly bin Abu Talib (may Allah be pleased with him), and he said to it, "I have divorced you three times and I will never return to you again." (using an allegory). One divorce was enough for him, as he followed the Sunnah, but he made it three to make it clear that he has not the slightest intention to return to it, for his good faith and good nature despise AI-Muhalil (One who marries a woman divorced thrice, with the intention of divorcing her so that the first husband may remarry her). And what is more, he is one of the narrators of the hadith, "Allah has damned 24 AI-Muhalil." Make a private place for yourself in this world, because fascinating things will be presented to you. Know them and be on your guard, and do not be harmed by withdrawing from preoccupations while you are among them. The light of the truth is greater and brighter than that of the sun, therefore, there is no problem if those having insight are dimsiqhted. The road to Allah is free from those who have doubt, and those who give in to their lusts. It is full of those having certainty and patience. They are like guideposts along the road:

Recorded by Abu OawQd in his Sunan. The book of marriage, the section of AtTahlll, no. (2076), and Ibn Majah. The book of marriage, the section of AIMubalil wal-Mujjalil lahu,no. (1936).24

which means, "And We made from among them (Children of Israel), leaders, giving guidance under Our Command, when they were patient and used to believe with certainty in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)." (As-Sajdah, 32:24)

An Important Rule: Effect of "There is no god but Allah" at the Time of DeathThe declaration of "There is no god but Allah" at the time of death has a great effect in expiating sins, as it is a testimony of he who believes in it, and knows its meaning. When reciting this declaration with certainty all his lusts come to an end. His rebellious self softens and yields after refusal and disobedience, proceeds after being turned away, humiliates after having given honor, and its desi res and interests are released. This soul will go to its Lord seeking His forgiveness, completely certain that Allah is One, as he is cleansed from all the doubts of polytheism, and he is only concerned with the Almighty One that he will now meet. Whatever he has done secretly or privately has become one and he has faithfully said, "There is no god but Allah." His heart is no longer inclined to think of or turn to others. The whole world has been driven out of his heart. He is about to stand in front of Allah. He is only thinking about the Hereafter and has put the world behind him. This faithful declaration came as the last deed of his life in order to purify him from sins and take him to His Lord as he meets Him with this faithful and truthful declaration. If this kind of faithful and truthful declaration was said by him during his life , he would have hated this worldly life and its people, escaped to Allah, and deserted everything else other than Him. But he declared it with a heart full of the pleasures of this life, love for this life and seeking other than Allah. If it was as pure as at the

88 AL-FA WA '10 : A Collection of Wise Sayings

time of his death, it would have provoked another, more sublime life. We do not own ourselves! Allah owns us. He owns our souls, our hearts are between two fingers of His that turn them according to His wish. Our life, death, happiness, and sadness are in His hands; our moves, silence, words , and deeds are according to His will. If Allah gave us the power over ourselves He would be giving it to a failure , a sinner, and a wasteful creature, and if He gave power to other than Him, He would be giving authority to one who does not have any authority: neither good, bad, useful, death, life, nor resurrection. If Allah abandons us, our enemy will take authority over us and make us prisoners. We can never dispense with Allah, and although we need Him, we disobeyed Him and used to forget to remember Him.

As

Long as One is Living, Subsistence is Guaranteed Concern yourself with that which you were ordered to take care of, and do not be concerned with something that was guaranteed for you. Subsistence and the moment of death are two matters whereof there is no doubt. As long as one is living, subsistence is guaranteed. And if Allah, according to His wisdom, closed the way to some means, He will, according to His mercy, open another means for you, which will be more useful. Let us consider the state of the embryo. It receives its nourishment, which is blood from one means which is the naval, and when it comes out of its mother's womb and this only means is closed, another two means are opened to it, which are better and sweeter than the first! This second means is pure and nourishing milk. When he finished his suckling period and these two means are closed because of weaning, Allah opens four more perfect means; two kinds of

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foods and two kinds of drinks. The two foods are from animals and plants and the two drinks are from water and milk, as well as whatever he likes from among other pleasures. When he passes away, his four means are closed, but Allah, the Exalted will open to him, if he was pious, eight doors of Paradise in orde r to enter Paradise from anyone of them according to his wish. So we notice that whenever Allah, the Exalted prevents His believing servant from something during this worldly life, He will bestow upon him something which is better and more useful to him. It should be noted that this is only granted to the believers. Allah preserves His servant from low and mean fortunes and is not pleased when such fortunes come to him, as He gives him a better and more valuable one. The servant does not always recognize the generosity of Allah , His wisdom and kindness , nor does he always know the significant difference between what he was granted and what he was protected from. He is fond of matters being decided immediately even if they are mean, and refuses the later ones even if they are better. If the servant could just treat Allah justly, he would have known that the pleasures of this world that Allah has protected him from are better for him than those things which Allah may have granted him from these pleasures. Allah prevented him from some of them in order to bestow upon him something that is better. He, the Almighty may have allowed him to be afflicted in order to protect him, tested to absolve him from sins, put him to death to resurrect him, and took him out of this world so as to stand in front of Him and follow the path that will bring him to Allah. Allah says,

90 AL-FA WA '10: A Collection of Wise Sayings

which means, IIHas put the night and the day In succession, for such who desires to remember or desires to show his gratitude.'l (Al-Furqan, 25:62) And He, the Almighty says,

which means, "But the Zhalimun (polytheists and wrongdoers, etc.) refuse (the truth the Message of Islamic Monotheism, and accept nothing) but disbelief." (AI-Isra', 17:99) Whoever knows himself well, would keep himself busy reforming himself instead of talking about the faults of others. Whoever knows his Lord, would keep himself busy trying to please Him instead of trying to please himself. The most useful deed is the one that you did sincerely keeping far away from the sight of people and far away from any reproach.

Doors Leading to Hellfire and the Origin of SinThere are three doors that lead people to Hellfire: 1A suspicion, which causes one to doubt the religion of Allah. 2A desire, which causes one to prefer the pleasures of this world more than obeying and pleasing Allah. 3Anger, which causes aggression against Allah's creatures.

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3. Envy: This encouraged the son of Adam to kill his brother. Whoever has been preserved from the evil of these three things, would be protected against evil itself, because disbelief stems from pride, sin stems from avarice, and injustice grows out of envy.The Wisdom of Allah in Creating the Human Body

Allah creates everything according to His wisdom. Every external and internal part of man's body has been created to fulfill a special purpose. The eye is for seeing, the ear is for hearing, the nose is for smelling, the tongue is for speaking, the private parts are for marriage, the hand is for attacking, the foot is for walking, the heart is for believing and knowing, the soul is for loving, and the mind is for thinking, knowing the consequences of religious and worldly matters, and preferring all that is supposed to be preferred, and neglecting all that is supposed to be neglected. Whoever busies himself with other than Allah is the looser, and even more than him is the one who busies himself with people instead of himself.Abu Sa'id AI-Khudry (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said , "When the son of Adam gets up in the morning, all the organs of his body submit to the tongue and say, 'Fear Allah as our condition is according to you (i.e. our salvation or our destruction). If you are good, '11 25 we will be good and if you were bad, we will be bad. They submitted to the tongue because it conveys what the heart wants and it is an agent between it and the other organs.

There are Three Causes of Sin1. Pride: This caused Satan to fall. 2. Avarice: book of asceticism, chapter on what was said about 25 Recorded by At-Tirmidhy, This drove Adam out of Paradise.preserving the tongue, nO.2407.

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A Precious Gem: Fear Allah, follow His Orders, and Avoid What He has ForbiddenThe Prophet (peace be upon him) said in the following hadith, Fear Allah, follow His orders and avoid what He has forbidden." 26 In this hadith we find the interests of this worldly life and that of the Hereafter and its pleasures , whose reward will be gained by obeying Allah, and relieving the heart and body. Also, abandoning pain and hard work in seeking the pleasures of this worldly life is to be gained by following the orders of Allah and avoiding what He has forbidden. Whoever fears Allah will win the pleasure of the Hereafter and whoever follows His orders and avoids what He has forbidden will find rest from the pain and distress of this worldly life.II

A Precious Gem: Sin and DebtThe Prophet (peace be upon him) referred to both sin and debt, as sin will cause loss in the Hereafter and debt will cause loss in this worldly life.

A Precious Gem: Fighting in the Cause of AllahAllah, the Exalted says,

which means, liAs for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allah's Religion Islamic Monotheism). And verily, Allah is with the MuhsinOn (good doers)." (Al-Ankabut, 29:69) In this verse Allah made guidance dependent on fighting in His cause. Whoever acquires the most perfect guidance among people is the one who is better in fighting in the cause of Allah.Recorded by Ibn Majah, the book of trade, chapter on being provident in one's way of living, nO.2144.26

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The most obligatory act among fighting is struggling against one's vain desires, fighting one's pleasures, fighting Satan, and fighting the world. Whoever fights these four matters seeking Allah in doing so, He, t